Joy

I will never forget the day that I stood in the arena listening to this amazing international symphony of incredibly talented men and women, led by a passionate man who loves to make music. Standing there with my good friend, Zac Watkins, I was immersed in the sound and feeling the joy that comes when all your senses are alive. The faces of these musicians were lit with smiles, and you could tell that even though they were paid to do these shows, they really were having fun doing it. This song, Waltz in 7/8, is one of my favorite pieces by Yanni. Peruvian guitarist Ramon Steniare opens the song on the churango, and about 5:20 into the song, one of my favorite points is when Vietnamese keyboardist Ming Freeman just busts out an amazing solo.

The whole song is so joyful and positive and every time I hear it, I can’t help but imagine that when the angels and saints are around the throne, it’s a little bit like this. Sometimes I think we forget [I know I do] that worship is a joyful thing – we get so focused on the sound, the lights, the harmonies, that we forget the fact that we are supposed to be joyful. Having fun, if you will. Sometimes I watch musicians and singers leading worship and I see no smiles, no joy. They are serious and devoted, no doubt, but joy… is lacking. Then there are times when you watch them up there having a blast… and guess what? What happens there translates to the rest of the room and you can feel it come alive. I love those moments. I live for those tangible expression of joy moments. I’d like to imagine that Jesus laughed a lot and one day, I can’t wait to experience the sound of His laughter mixed with mine.